Perhaps Cape Air should talk with one of their competitors, Island Airlines (the red tail 402s) and see what they think about their Caravan? My understanding is that Island Airlines is operating a new G1000 equipped Caravan on the HYA-ACK-HYA routes. Having flown both the 402 and the 208, I truly think that at least as far as passenger and baggage capacity goes, the Caravan would come the closest in being the best choice as replacement. It is a very easy aircraft to fly and just look at companies such as Tradewind Aviation and Linear Air who have been flying caravans on routes to MVY and ACK in the summer with no issue from what I have heard or seen. Me, I'd go with the Van.....